A Term of Exploration and Discovery
This term, our class has been on a fascinating journey of learning across all subjects.
Literacy and Reading
At the beginning of the term, we took an exciting trip to the Southbank in London to gather information for our non-chronological reports. This trip gave us real-world context as we analysed persuasive leaflets and learned how to make our own writing more convincing.
Throughout the term, we have honed essential reading skills, including skimming, scanning, identifying fact and opinion, sequencing, and inferring meaning. We have also deepened our comprehension and analytical skills by exploring the themes and characters of various literary works.
Geography and Fieldwork
Our geography work this term has been very hands-on, focusing on map work and fieldwork. We started by developing our skills in reading and interpreting different types of maps.
Mathematics
In mathematics, we have focused intently on the properties of numbers. We explored concepts like factors, multiples, prime numbers, prime factors, and square numbers. We also strengthened our understanding and fluency with the four main operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Through consistent group and partner work, we developed essential skills such as communication, teamwork, resilience, and reflection.
History
In history this term, we have embarked on a serious and important study of the beginning of World War II. We investigated the main causes, including the harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles after WWI and the aggressive expansionist aims of Adolf Hitler's Germany. We learned about the policy of appeasement, where Britain and France initially tried to give Hitler what he wanted to avoid war, such as allowing him to take parts of Czechoslovakia. However, the policy failed, and the war officially began on September 1, 1939, when Germany invaded Poland. Two days later, having promised to defend Poland's independence, Britain and France declared war on Germany. This marked the start of the conflict, which saw the Germans use a new, fast-moving attack called Blitzkrieg, or 'lightning war.'
Please enter an introduction for your blog post here.
Topic
In PSHE, we have been exploring some very important themes around personal safety, including discussions about gangs, peer pressure, and how to make positive, informed choices. The children approached these sessions with maturity and thoughtfulness, engaging well in group discussions. In RE, we have been learning how religion influences art and the ways in which artistic expression holds meaning for different faiths. The class enjoyed exploring a range of artistic styles and reflecting on how these help to express religious beliefs and values.
Literacy
This term, our Literacy lessons have focused heavily on preparation for the SATs. We revised key grammar and punctuation concepts, consolidated our understanding of word classes, and tackled a variety of comprehension exercises. The children approached the reading paper with confidence, drawing on their ability to interpret texts, make inferences, and justify their opinions with evidence. Through structured activities and targeted revision, they developed their skills and showed real progress. We were particularly impressed with their focus, determination, and positive attitude throughout.
Maths
In Maths, some children have been working on measurements and conversions, while all pupils have been revising key areas in preparation for SATs. This included work on arithmetic, reasoning, and applying mathematical knowledge in problem-solving situations. The children demonstrated excellent perseverance and resilience during assessment week, and we are incredibly proud of the effort each pupil put in to showcase all they have learned during their time at primary school.
As a well-deserved reward for their hard work, the class enjoyed an exciting and memorable trip to Chessington World of Adventures—a fantastic way to celebrate their achievements and spend time together outside the classroom.
Look out for the full gallery of Chessington pictures!
In Year 6 History, students have explored the historical context and global impact of the British Empire and the Commonwealth. A significant focus was placed on the Windrush generation, examining their contributions to post-World War II Britain and developing students' empathic understanding of their experiences.
Geography lessons have focused on the practical application of previously learned skills, including mapping, compass direction, and map interpretation. These skills were utilized in research projects on Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica for our International Week Mini-World activities, where students presented their findings to peers.
Literacy work has centered on developing balanced arguments based on the class text, 'Windrush Child.' Students have refined their writing techniques, focusing on descriptive settings, character development, and suspense. They have also been encouraged to enhance their independent editing and revision skills.
In Mathematics, students have been developing their understanding of geometry, including the use of protractors to measure angles and draw shapes, the interpretation and plotting of coordinates in four quadrants, and the calculation of area, perimeter, and volume. These concepts have been reinforced through reasoning and problem-solving activities, which are also designed to prepare students for their upcoming SATs.
See if you can spot what we have been working on from the images below.
Please enter an introduction for your blog post here.
This term our topic was The Elizabethans, exploring our ‘big question’ ‘Was Elizabeth the First a good ruler?’. We arranged events on a timeline, researched facts and explored the role of propaganda in Elizabethan times, making links with other periods such as Victorian times. In Science, we learnt about the anatomy of the heart and the circulatory system. We identified the sections of the heart on a real lamb’s heart and created dramas, acting out the path of blood in the human body! We also carried out some Geography fieldwork in which we answered our own enquiry questions such as ‘Which is the safest entrance in the school grounds?’ or ‘Which area of the school is the cleanest?’
We started the term with a trip to the Southbank as research for our non-chronological reports about this renowned area of London. We studied persuasive leaflets and thought about how we could make our reports persuasive. We have used a range of reading skills this term, including skimming and scanning, identifying fact and opinion and sequencing, and using inference skills in order to improve our comprehension. We have also studied three Shakespeare plays and made links between the themes and characters.
This term we have focussed on ‘properties of number’. This has included work on factors, multiples, prime numbers, prime factors and square numbers. We have also refined our knowledge of the 4 main operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. We have demonstrated core skills such as communication, team work, resilience and reflection through our group and partner work.
Firstly, a huge well done needs to go out to all of our Year 6 pupils, not only for working extremely hard in the lead up to SATs, but also for showing enthusiasm and commitment for the rest of the Summer Term. Following the SATs tests, we had a final last push on our writing to ensure our writing portfolios were complete and the children worked very hard during this time as well.
As part of our Science topic, we visited the Natural History Museum to take part in a workshop on evolution. We took part in some practical activities exploring what evolution is, and why and how it happens. We had a chance to find evidence of evolution within the galleries and also explored the Volcanoes and Earthquakes section, which links to our learning in Geography.
As a reward for our hard work, the children have enjoyed a number of trips to Chessington, Stratford Picturehouse, Nando’s and Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis centre to watch the Great Britain vs Germany hockey match. They also participated in two weeks of swimming lessons and made immense progress. We have further developed our performing arts skills when preparing for our performance Shakespeare Rocks, which was extremely successful! The Year 6 Prom was a brilliant celebration of the end of their Curwen journey.
